5 Major Travel Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistakes are a part of life, just like the air we breathe. We learn from our mistakes. They strengthen our personality and improve our chances of doing things better in the future.

The great thing about mistakes is that you don’t just learn from your own—you can also learn from the mistakes of others. That’s why we’re sharing a few travel mistakes with you that cost a lot of time, money, and nerves.

1. Travel Mistake – Poor Preparation

You would think that after booking a trip, the next step would be to check whether an ID card is sufficient or if a passport is required. Naturally, you should also make sure that the respective document is still valid. It would be a shame if the plane takes off without you.

Here is a checklist to ensure you don’t forget anything:

Before your trip:

• Check validity: Passport, ID card, debit/credit card
• Entry requirements: Check with the Foreign Office, apply for a visa if necessary
• Vaccinations: Keep vaccination regulations in mind in advance
• Insurance: Take out travel insurance
• Cash: Mind the local currency and exchange money
• Electronics: Get a photo and video camera, buy suitable power adapters, charge batteries, and clear memory cards

Before leaving the house:

• Bills: Settle outstanding costs to prevent late fees
• Own arrival: Make sure to have your vehicle thoroughly checked
• Valuables: Lock them in a safe if possible
• Turn off water: Dishwashers and washing machines can cause major damage
• Heating: Turn off / set to a low temperature
• Refrigerator: Empty it
• Windows: Close them
• Lights: Turn them off
• Trash: Dispose of it
• Mailbox: Ask friendly neighbors to pick up your mail

2. Travel Mistake – Traveling to the Airport Under Too Much Stress

Just imagine: A family of four with 2-year-old, overly exhausted Jonathan and 4-year-old, whining Kiara. Mom and Dad are struggling with all the luggage, rushing at 3:00 AM to catch the train to get to Berlin Brandenburg BER Airport using the Rail & Fly tickets included with their package holiday.

Is that really necessary? Why put yourself through that stress?

The alternative is driving your own car and transferring the kids straight from their warm beds into a pre-warmed vehicle. Maybe they’ll just fall back asleep at that hour? However, hunting for a parking spot at 3:00 AM in the middle of the peak summer holiday season at an overcrowded airport isn’t any fun either. And security on those lots is often non-existent—no video surveillance and no security staff keeping an eye on the vehicles. These are problems that can easily be avoided from the start.

That’s where www.dein-stellplatz.de comes in! We offer our parking lot and multi-story car park in close proximity to Berlin Brandenburg BER Airport at an affordable price. The shuttle transfer takes you and your family to the airport within 5 to 10 minutes and is included free of charge.

Even if you arrive at 3:00 AM, the friendly staff at Dein Stellplatz are ready for you. We help you load your luggage into the shuttle bus, show you to your spot, and bring you and your family safely to Berlin Brandenburg BER Airport. Getting back is just as easy: simply head to the meeting point—the shuttle bus is usually already waiting to take you back to your car. This leaves you with time to relax and enjoy your trip.

Our tip: Travel mindfully and plan a bit of extra time. It saves not only your nerves but also your wallet.

3. Travel Mistake – Packing Too Much Luggage

On 99% of all trips, you end up feeling like a pack mule. Almost everyone packs way too much just in case. After all, better safe than sorry.

A second bikini and a second pair of sandals just have to come along. And just in case, a pair of running shoes—which usually end up never being used anyway.

That quickly adds up to 15–20 kilograms, making the suitcase nearly impossible to carry. In the end, you realize time and again that you only used about 30% of what you packed. Because no, you didn’t go running, one bikini was plenty, and you never missed that second pair of sandals.

Our tip: Don’t pack so much. You don’t need all that stuff.

4. Travel Mistake – Poorly Insured and Eating Poorly

Food issues abroad are far too underestimated. Many people lose count of how many times they’ve upset their stomachs while traveling.

This can become a health concern and get expensive. If you end up in the hospital with food poisoning, your flight home might leave without you. Then you’ll have to book a new flight at your own expense.

You should be insured for situations like this. International health insurance sometimes only covers medication costs, but not the expensive replacement flight.

So be careful with your food choices and make sure you have adequate insurance coverage. Here is an insurance option that our customers frequently recommend to us: https://www.axa-assistance.de/reiseversicherung/

Our tip: “Cook it, peel it, or leave it”—be mindful of what you eat or drink while traveling. Carefully consider which insurance policies you might need.

5. Travel Mistake – Getting Ripped Off and Scammed

Unfortunately, no one is completely safe from this, and it happens often.

For example, customers were cheated while exchanging money in Mexico. The friendly gentleman at the currency exchange desk at the airport handed out €150 too little, which wasn’t noticed right away.

In Bali, customers were even robbed by the police once. At a traffic checkpoint, they had to pay a €4 fine without even knowing what for.

In Italy, while shopping in the city, customers had their handbag stolen along with their car keys, passports, and cash.

These are just three stories that come to mind.

Take care of yourself and your personal belongings.

Our tip: Always keep your money close to your body, never tell strangers on your travels where you are staying, and listen to your gut feeling.

Now it’s your turn. What were your biggest travel mistakes?